"We need our retail partners to survive"

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president Jim Ryan has named retailers as a factor in the decision not to restrict the use of pre-owned games on the new PlayStation 4 console.

"There are various levels on which you can look at these things," he told VG247.

"The gaming eco-system in the UK is a somewhat fragile one. That's another factor. We all know just how difficult it is for retailers, and while we're never going to make a policy decision to cushion the lives of video game retailers in a particular market, it's a factor that we need our retail partners to survive and hopefully prosper. That very fragile ecosystem is one I feel shouldn't be lightly tampered with."

He also noted the struggle that regions such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India could have with online connection requirements, like those of the Microsoft Xbox One.

"If you're talking about a mass level, an issue like that is very fundamental. We take a long-term view on those markets, and we invest heavily in them. In those places it isn't a core gamer issue: it's a fundamental issue."

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Common sense really. Reminds me a bit of the mobile battle between providers and retailers. Its the retailers that decide whether a product succeeds or not ... unless you have a truly outstanding product, and can bend retailers to your will (like Apple did with the iPhone).

I wouldn't be shocked if some retailers decide not to STOCK the XBone at all, and just focus on the PS4.